The type of pasta commonly known as bow-tie pasta or butterfly pasta is called farfalle. Farfalle is an Italian word that translates to "butterflies" in English, referring to the shape of the pasta. Farfalle pasta is typically rectangular or square in shape with the sides pinched together in the middle to create a bow-tie or butterfly appearance. It is a versatile pasta shape and is often used in salads, pasta dishes, and casseroles.